New Zealand: Refugee Status Appeals Authority

The New Zealand Refugee Status Appeals Authority (RSAA) is an independent body established to determine appeals from decisions of the Refugee Status Branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service declining refugee status. The RSAA was initially established in 1991 under the prerogative powers of the Executive (Cabinet) of the New Zealand Government. The RSAA was later given statutory basis pursuant to the Immigration Amendment Act 1999, which came into force on 1 October 1999. The RSAA ceased to exist on 29 November 2010, when it was replaced by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Website: www.nzrefugeeappeals.govt.nz/